HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR AUSTIN MUSICIANS
September 08, 2010
Word on the Street

This is whithout question the most appreciated and helpful community service ever offered to the musicians of Travis county (or any other county, anywhere). I for one shall be grateful forever for this compassionate and dedicated health care program. Much thanks. - Joseph P Kennedy, Jr.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INCOME & DOCUMENTATION ISSUES

Q: How do I show how much income I've had as a musician when I get paid mostly in cash and tips?

A: A letter from a third party, like a band leader that employs you, a booking agent, club owner or manager may serve as proof of income. The letter should estimate the amount of earnings per month or year, and be signed and dated by the individual verifying your income.


Q: Can I email you a letter from my manager as proof of how much I make as a musician?

A: No. Please have a hard copy of the letter with an original signature with you when you come for your interview.


Q: It is going to take me a week or so to get the documentation I need. Can I make an appointment and just bring in what I have?

A: Go ahead and make an appointment, and tell us that you need a week to get the documentation. We can give you an appointment for a week later.


Q: What is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level?

A: 250% of the Federal Poverty Level is an income eligibility level. The income level varies based on family size. For example an individual earning $26,000 a year or a family of three earning $44,000 a year would be at 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Based on the documents you provide, we will be able to quickly determine your eligibility.


HEALTH SERVICES ISSUES

Q: Is enrollment in HAAM considered health insurance?

A: No. The primary care program offered through the Seton Musicians Clinic is not health insurance. Neither is the dental care program offered through the St. David's Community Health Foundation Leadership.


The Seton Musicians Clinic was created to provide affordable primary health care, social services, and health education for musicians enrolled in the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). The Seton Musicians Clinic is a medical payment assistance program. It allows musicians who are enrolled in the program to access services at the Seton Community Health Centers on a sliding fee scale. The musician will be responsible for some of the costs, including co-payments, on a sliding scale. The sliding scale for the Seton Musicians Clinic will be discussed with you when you are enrolled.


Q: In regard to the primary care program, if I am eligible for another community program (like MAP, Project Access, Medicaid, etc.), can I be enrolled in the Seton Musicians Clinic?

A. Currently, the resources at the Seton Musicians Clinic are limited. Spots are available only to individuals who meet the criteria for the Seton Musicians Clinic. But, if you apply for HAAM and are not eligible for the Seton Musicians Clinic, you may be eligible for another community program and will be referred to that program when you apply for services under HAAM. Every effort will be made to find a program for which you are eligible.


Q: If I am enrolled in the Seton Musicians Clinic and I have an emergency, will the bill be covered?

A. Musicians enrolled in the Seton Musicians Clinic will have an orientation that explains the steps they need to take if they have an emergency and need medical care. Since the Seton Musicians Clinic is a medical payment assistance program, the enrolled musician will be responsible for a portion of the bills.


Q: As an enrolled musician at the Seton Musicians Clinic will my prescriptions be covered?

A: Patients of the Seton Musicians Clinic receive medications on the clinic formulary at a low cost. Prescriptions must be written by one of the clinic providers and be filled in one of the eligible pharmacies. Patients receive more information about this resource during their orientation.


Q: If I am already enrolled in Seton Care Plus and become a member of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, do I need to switch to the Seton Musicians Clinic?

A: Yes, you will change and become a member of the Seton Musicians Clinic. This will be handled within the Seton network, and you will be notified of the change.


DENTAL SERVICES ISSUES

Q: Will a dentist working out of the St. David's dental van be able to extract a tooth?


A. Yes, the St. David's dental program can perform most of the services you would find at your regular dentist (cleanings, fillings, most extractions, and some root canals).  We do not do cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening.

 

AUDIOLOGY SERVICES (HEAR PROJECT) ISSUES 

Q: How do I get an appointment for the HEAR Project clinic?


A. There will be a total of six HEAR Project clinics, three in 2009 and three in 2010.  We will email all HAAM members about upcoming clinics and how to schedule an appointment.

 

Q: Where are the HEAR Projects Clinics taking place?

 

A. The HEAR Project clinics will all be held at the Gibson Guitar Showroom in the Penn Field business center.  3601 South Congress, Ste. G400